The search engine Google has been providing the facilities of writing and reading in dozens of languages to millions of people in the world for many years, but the citizens of Karachi are not only ‘teaching’ Google Urdu, Pashto and Sindhi, but also ‘improving’ Google in these languages. are also doing
Kashif and Rizwan from Karachi are volunteering to promote Urdu at Google.
In a conversation with Independent Urdu, Google volunteer Kashif Masidia said that ‘I am the mentor of Google Crowdsource. There are about 21 mentors in the world, of which I am one.
Kashif says that the trend of writing and reading Urdu has decreased in Pakistan. Ever since mobile phones and modern technology came, Urdu has been replaced by Roman, due to which the Urdu language is declining.
‘To protect my national language, I am learning Urdu from Google. An application is crowd-sourced because I don’t want Urdu to remain just a dialect.’
Content creator Kashif Masidia says, ‘When computer came in Pakistan, Urdu keyboard was also used, which is not seen anywhere now. I provide Urdu content to Google through Google Crowdsource so that the world knows that the national language of Pakistan is Urdu.
According to him, he is not a direct employee of Google but is working as a volunteer ‘for the love of his language and for the love of his community’.
He says that all of this gives him the advantage that after a certain level by providing data to Google crowdsource, there is an offer that ‘you can learn the various AI and machine learning courses we have for free. can Not only will you learn it, but you’ll get a certification for it, and that’s what we pay for.’
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Up to 60% Google gives the correct translation of Urdu, because more and more content is being framed in Urdu on Google compared to the past, but the need is that every Pakistani, every Urdu speaker comes to Google Crowdsource and translates Urdu. Play your role for promotion because everyone has their own style of writing, thus, countless Urdu content will be collected on Google.’
They also said that they provide data to Google for Urdu as well as Pashto and Sindhi. “Sindhi speakers give more data for the development of Sindhi language, that’s why Sindhi translation is better than Urdu.”
Volunteer Rizwan Shah told Independent Urdu that regarding Google Translation, ‘We provide information to Google through crowd source. Crowdsource is an app that can be downloaded from the Play Store.’
He said that through this app, those students who want to read information or any English literature, we can help them in translation. Also, if you write Urdu in writing, take a picture and upload it, Google will recognize it.
‘A book written in any language through Google Lens is easily translated into Urdu, Sindhi and Pashto.’
#Citizens #Karachi #teach #Urdu #Google
What are the key challenges faced in promoting the Urdu language in the digital age?
**Interview with Kashif Masidia: Promoting Urdu through Google Crowdsource**
*Interviewer*: Hello, Kashif! Thank you for joining us today to discuss your remarkable work with Google Crowdsource in promoting the Urdu language. Can you start by telling us a bit about your role?
*Kashif Masidia*: Thank you for having me! I am currently a mentor for Google Crowdsource, one of only 21 mentors worldwide. My main goal is to help improve the representation of Urdu, Pashto, and Sindhi on platforms like Google, ensuring that these languages are recognized and elevated in the digital space.
*Interviewer*: That sounds incredible! You mentioned the declining trend of writing and reading Urdu in Pakistan. What do you think are the main reasons for this decline?
*Kashif Masidia*: The advent of mobile phones and modern technology has significantly contributed to this issue. Many people are now using Roman script instead of traditional Urdu, which diminishes our language’s presence. This shift can make it seem like Urdu is becoming just a dialect rather than a vibrant and crucial part of our culture.
*Interviewer*: It’s concerning to hear that. What motivated you to volunteer and work towards preserving the Urdu language?
*Kashif Masidia*: My love for the Urdu language and my desire to see it thrive motivated me to take action. I contribute to Google Crowdsource because I believe that Urdu deserves global recognition. By providing content in my language, we can showcase its beauty and complexity to the world.
*Interviewer*: You mentioned that you’re not a direct employee of Google but a volunteer. How does that work, and what benefits do you receive from your involvement?
*Kashif Masidia*: Correct, I’m not an employee; I’m doing this work out of passion for my language and community. Through my contributions, I’ve reached a level that allows me to access free courses in AI and machine learning offered by Google. Not only am I learning valuable skills, but I also receive certification, which is something I value greatly.
*Interviewer*: That’s amazing! It really highlights how technology can be harnessed for cultural preservation. What do you hope to achieve with your work through Google Crowdsource in the future?
*Kashif Masidia*: My hope is that we can create a more robust digital ecosystem for Urdu that not only helps preserve the language but also encourages others to embrace it. I want future generations to read and write Urdu with pride, not just see it as a relic of the past.
*Interviewer*: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Kashif. It’s inspiring to see individuals like you taking the initiative to promote and protect their language.
*Kashif Masidia*: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. Let’s continue to work towards a future where Urdu and other languages can flourish!
This conversation not only highlights the importance of language preservation but also emphasizes how platforms like Google can play a vital role in supporting cultural diversity through community-driven efforts.
